Wall panel securing means



De@ 6, E949 J. H. VAN UUM ETAL WALL PANEL SECURING MEANS Filed July 23. 1945 .rlllil 6, i949 J. H. VAN UUM ETAL.

WALL PANEL SECURING MEANS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 23. 1945 6 i949 J. H. VAN UUM ETAL WALL PANEL SECURING MEANS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 23. 1945' Q 6H, www@ w WMM m ME m VDM j am@ 1. .Ng 0 F @i 6, 3949 J. H. VAN uuM ETAL 2,490,653

WALL PANEL 'sacuama MEANS Filed July 23. 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 .INI/ENTORS. JOHN H. VAN aww, 55AM/A20 EMM/N6 ,Ma "f/s/Qf/vcf 0f/Q.

Dec. 6, 1949 J. H. vAN uuM ETAL WALL PANEL SECURING MEANS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 25. 1942 J. H. VAN UUM Erm.,

WALL PANEL sEcURInG mums 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 23. 1945 Dec. 6, 1949 J. 1H..vAN luuM ErAL 2,490,563

wm. wenn sncunmo Mams Filed .JulyV 2s. 1945 v sheets-sheet' 7 l l ma 2me/ENCE 0f/e j?? 35 a@ wf/MMV? Patented Dec. 6, 1949 PATENT OFFICE 2,490,683 WALL PANEL SECURING MEANS John H. van Uum,

Fairview Village,

Cleveland, Bernard Emming, y and Clarence Lohr, Cleveland,

Ohio, assignors to The Cuyahoga Spring Company, a corporation of Ohio Application July 23, 1945, Serial N0. 696,530

6 Claims.-

This invention has for its objects the provision of simple, efiicient easily manufactured fastening device and the provision of cooperating elements on flanges for sides of metal panels and by which the panels may be securely held in position and yet may be readily removed by the use of a simple tool.

In the mounting of nished and decorative panels formed of metal and carrying vitrolite enamel or other like finish suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, store front exteriors and the like, it has long been the practice to apply the desired finish to the exterior or outer side of a flanged metal rectangular member. For example the panels may carry a tile, marble or terra cotta finish.

It has ailorded a considerable problem to secure such panel members to the under surface or carrying elements thereon without defacing the finish. It is also frequently desired to remove one or more panels, and heretofore the fastening means used has rendered this difficult and frequently results in defacing or destruction of the panel, precluding its being put back into place.

In the arranging of such panels, it is frequently a plastic substance corresponding to cement or mortarwhichgives the desired appearance and presents a waterproof surface. If such spacing or filling is made wide enough to use fastening' means such as screws between the panels and to allow excess thereto, the lling material is too wide, an excessive amount is required, and the artistic appearance is lost.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of spring clip fastening devices which permit the panel faces to be closely positioned with a narrow space between them so arranged that the fastening means are in o showing a slightly m ,med mm1 of cup and visible or concealed when between the panels.

Another important object is that upon removal of the filler and with the use of a simple tool, of the nature of a putty knife or screw driver, the clips may be disengaged from the panel allowing it to be removed easily and without any defacement or injury. The clip fastening devices are secured in proper aligned position and receive the anges coacting with shoulders.' offset surfaces or openings, as the case may be, and it is desirable that they act to hold the panel tightly by exerting a constant tension thereon, urging the panel inwardly at all times.

Other advantages will become apparent in the followingdescription which refers to a preferred the filler is applied the practice to space them closely, fill in with I Y 36 furring' strip embodiment, modifications of which are also described. It is to be understood other modiiications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a face view of a wall in the nature of store front to which panels are applied in accordance with this invention.

Fig..2 is an enlarged face view, partly in section, showing panels and the securing means.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of a panel showing a portion of an adJacent panel which is being detached for remova Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the securing clips.

Fig. 5 is a face elevation of the same. Fig. 6 is a side elevation showing the ange at the moment of entering engagement. Fig. 7 shows the engaging and permanently held position. to Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the method of disengaging the clip from the flange.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the modified form of the fastener clip.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section through a panel and portions of two adjacent panels and their securing means.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 show the entering and nal engaging positions of flange and panel.

Figs. 14,

trating the disengaging and removal.

Figs. 17 and 18 are face and rear views of the panel vshowing the ribs or projections on the iianges for the modified form of fastener.

' Fig. 19 is a vertical section through the wall showing adjacent panels in position.

Fig. 20 is a similar view panels being removed.

Fig. 21 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 10,

showing one of the flange.

Fig.'22 is a perspective view of the clip of this form, on a scale enlarged over that of Fig. 21. Figs. 23. 24 and 25 show the ilange of the panel ntering the clip and in its nal securing posi- Figs. 26, 27 and 28 show the disengaging of the panel flange and clip for removal. Figs, 29 to 35 show the use of a modified form of our invention, and of which Fig. 29 is an elevation of a bathroom wall tted with tile panels. Fig. 30 is an enlarged detail of the same, partly in section.

Fig. 31 is a horizontal section through adia- II cent panels and the securing devices.

15 and 16 are sectional views ilius.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the double fastener, shown in Fig. 31.

Figs. 33, 34 and 35 are sections through such a fastener, showing different positions of the colarge display windows, I and 2, oi.' a store front are shown as rectangular, preferably square panels 5. Converging entrance effect of display windows 2-2 lead to a door indicated at 3 and below the glass 2 are similar panels indicated at l. These may be of the same form, but wider or narrower panels may be used if dimension limitations require them. A suitable finish or corner closure may be provided, carrying out the block effect as indicated at 4 at the left of Figs. 1 and 2.

The wall proper may be of any common construction. In Fig. 2 brick l are shown, to which are secured furring strips III to which our fastener clips I 5 are attached and positioned to engage the adjacent flange 1 of the aligned panels 5.

The outer surfaces of these panels 5 may .be finished for any desired effect. Usually vitrolite enamel or some ceramic material or paint is used which may be very durable, but many of these materials are subject to cracking or defacement if the panels are subjected to bending, pounding or any treatment likely to distort the plane of the panel.

Furthermore, the panels must be held very firmly and, as stated, it is necessary to position them without excessive pounding or application oi localized pressure.

One form of snap fastener securing clip made according to our invention is illustrated particularly in Figs. 3Ito 8. The fastening device per se, designated I5, is formed from a fiat metal strip of suitable spring stock, preferably, for example 3/4 of an inch wide and approximately .025 inch in thickness. The clip is formed with a flat base portion I6 provided with punched holes I1 for receiving securing screws indicated at 30 (Fig. 3). From one side of the base portion the strip is bent to form a spaced fold I8, one side of which extends downwardly as at I9 and from which the strip is turned upwardly in spaced position and parallel with the section I9, as indicated at 20. The portion is punched to form a tongue 22 which is bent to present a sloping surface 23 extending/downwardly and toward the wall i9 and is formed with a return bend presenting an outwardly sloping surface 24. In the flanges 1 of the panels, slots 26 are formed preferably substantially longer than the width of the securing clips, so that engagement of the tongue 22 is assured, allowing for somev variation in lthe relative positions of the clips on the furring strips I0. The inwardly projecting hump of the tongue 22 extends into these slots' 25,as shown in Fig. 7, and the more abrupt slope. 'if the portion 24 bearing against the lower tige of the slot tends to exert a. constant downward pressure, holding the panels firmly in position and likewise effecting a secureiocking engagement.

The arrangement described. further, provides for an exceptionally simple and convenient method of disengaging the securing means for removing the panels. A thin edged tool, indicated at 28 (Fig. 8), which may be in the nature handle 29 (Fig. 3) is thrust downwardly between the upward extension 2D of the securing clip and the panel flange 1, forcing the tongue 22 out of the slot 28 whereupon thek -panei may be lifted, sliding its flange 1 upwardly, the start of which movement is indicated in Fig. 8.

The insertion of the panel flanges requires no such action, but needs only to have the flanges" pressed against the more gradual slop 23 of the tongue 22, and be forced downwardly from the position shown in Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 7.

To facilitate inserting the tool or blade 28 between the flange i and the clip portion 20, the upper edge of the portion 20 may be turned outwardly either in the mid portion or at its corners. The desired shape or form may be given it when the tongue 22 is severed from the spring portion 20 and formed. as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The sections such as Figs. 3, 11, 12 and 13 show the mid-portion of the upward extension bowed outwardly slightly to receive the tool such as 28. Figs, 4 and 8 indicate outward turning of the corners of the upward extension.

The mounting of the clips on the furring strips III may be done either before or after the strips are in position on the wall, and the clips are preferably staggered to alternately extend each way from the line between the panels. They may be positioned by suitable markings or may be assembled against a. straight edge to position them for engagement with the slots 26. The ofisetting avoids these clips abutting each other, and also permits the flanges and thus the sides of the panels to be brought closely together.

The space lbetween the panels is Ipreferably filled with plastic material, which may be putty or the like, as indicated at I2. Thus, to remove the panels, the material between them need only be picked or chipped out over the fastening devices to permitthe insertion of the tool blade for retracting the holding tongue 22.

To remove a panel from the body of the wall without disturbing others is also possible with this arrangement and other modifications herein described. A simple method is to insert a hook or like instrument below the edge of the flange 50 The fastening device of Fig. 9 is folded frbm iivided with screw openings 42 and an upward 'lov a similar strip of spring steel or other material and is of substantially the same contour as the fastener I5.

As shown, it has a fiat base portion 4I proand downward fold 43-44, the latter extending upwardly again parallel with the portion 44 as at 45, and shown as having a rib or bead 46 adapted to fit into the groove 36 in the flange.

The upper edge of the portion 45 may be bowed outwardly, as indicated at 49, to permit the insertion of a blade or tool such as a screw driver. indicated at 50.

The insertion of the flange to mount the panels is shown progressively in Figs. 11 to 13, in which just before the flange is freed from the fastener.

In Figs. 19 to 28 a modified form of the fastening device is similar to that shown in Fig. 9 and is arranged to engage outwardly projecting ribs or beads 56 on the panels 55 (Figs. 17 and 18).

In Figs. 10, 19 and 21 the securing devices are -shown as screwed directly to the wall member 8a, which may be a board surface or maybe separated furring strips I secured on any suitable wall W (Fig. 19).

Referring to Fig. 22 the securing device 60 is shown as having a base portion 6l, screw holes 62, parallelloop portion v63 and 64 and upright spring end 65, as before. The bulge or bead 66 corresponding to the bulge 46 is higher, being near the upper end of the portion 65, whereby it may ride over and engage above the bead 56 on the flanges 51 of the panels 55. The extension appearing in this figure above the bead 66 may be short, or omitted as appears in the subsequent figures.

In Figs. 23 to 24 is illustrated the insertion of the flange into engaging position. Fig. 25 shows the overlapping and locking position of the projecting elements 56 and 66 and represents the final locking position. The continued spring action of the member 65 urges the bulge 66 into engagement with the sloping upper side of the bead 56, thus constantly exerting downward pressure to hold the panels firmly in place.

The removal of a panel Amay be effected as before by inserting a screw driverV 50 to release the holding engagement, as shown in Figs. 26 to 28, corresponding to Figs. 14 to 16.

The bathroom of Fig. 29 has the wall, generally designated W covered with panels 15, shown as ,marked in imitation tile block, the spaces between them being illled bv putty or other filler l2 of appropriate color. The panels may vary in width r to suit dimensions of wall offsets, bathtub nitch, etc., for example, the panels 15a, being shown as narrower than the center panel back of thetub T. Suitable trim molding, indicated at M may be used at the top of the panels and shown as meeting the wall surface.

The modified form of fastener indicated at 80 may be used for exterior walls, such as shown in Fig. 1, as well as for other uses.

Fig. 30 shows a lath and plaster wall finish at P. Furring strips I0 may be set into the wall as before and to which the snap fastener devices 80 or any of these described herein may be attached and positioned to embrace and secure inturncd flanges 11 of the panels 15.

Referring particularly to Fig. 32, this double fastener device 80 is adapted to engage two adjacent flanges 11, and is preferably made from a similar strip of spring steel, such as that described, that is, having approximately the width and thickness used in the other fasteners, I5, 40 and 6U, although, if desired, because of its effective gripping action, it may be slightly lighter gauge metal.

Referring particularly to Fig. 32, the ends of groove 36 in the 8 the strip are shown as forming fiat base portions 8| in which one or two screw holes 82 are punched. The strip is bent intermediately to form parallel spring portions having outwardly pressed beads or bulges 6l. and extending4 downwardly as in dicated at M. and then turned upwardly into the approximately parallel folds at either side of the central fold, as shown at I and 83. The outer reaches Il of the latter folds are bent outwardly to form the base members Il.

The upper portions of the folds 86-65 are shaped to press inwardly to grip a flange groove 16 between each of the beads 66 and the adjacent folded portions, as' shown in Figs. 31, 32 and 33. Here again the removal of a panel may be effected byinserting a screw driver or like blade, disengaging the beads 66 and grooves 16, as shown in Fig. 34, whereupon the panel may be lifted andwithdrawn from its engagement, as indicated in Fig. 35.

Because the strip is formed all on one piece, one screw on either side may effectively hold the securing devices instead of the two screws lthrough the base portions of the clips I5, 40

and 6|.

Having thus described our invention, what we `claim is:

l. The combination of wall panels having a finished surface and flanges turned away'from the finished surface, and adapted to be arranged to cover a wall except for slight spacing therebetween, and securing members fixed to the wall in predetermined positions to engage the :flanges of the panels when in position, the securing members each comprising flat strip metal bent to form a loop to engage the inside surface of a flange, and presenting a loop extending across the edge of the flange and engaging the outer surface, and having a sloping locking surface formed on one of the flange engaging portions, and a locking shoulder formed on the flange coacting with the sloping surface whereby spring tension toward the flange tends to firmly hold the panel.

2. The combination of wall panels having flangesand securing means fixed to the wall in predetermined positions to engage the flanges of the panels when in closely spaced positions, the securing means comprising flat strip members, each bent to form a loop to engage the one surface of a flange and also extending below the edge of the flange and engaging its other surface and having a locking shoulder and shoulders formed on the flanges each coacting with one of said locking shoulders whereby spring tension toward the flange wedges the shoulder surfaceswall in a return bend, and then outwardly again forming a spring pressing end section between which and the inner side of said return bend the flange of the panel may be received, and a projection formed on the fastener extending above and engaging an elongated shoulder on the ange.

strip, and having an intermediate narrow loop, lrising between the flanges. and having adjacent loops adapted to press against the inner sides of said flanges, said loops and flanges having coacting shoulders parallel with the wall.

5. A plurality of metal panels having outer finished surfaces and inwardly turned flanges, flange engaging members attached to the wall for securing the panels in position, each said member comprising a single strip of flat spring metal having its ends secured to the wall, and having an intermediate narrow loop rising between adiaeent flanges, and having a loop at each side of the intermediate loop adapted to press against the inner side of one of the anges, said loops and flanges having coacting shoulders held in spring pressed engagement.

6. The combination of wall panels, each having a finished surface and flanges turned away from the finished surface, and fastening devices adapted to engage the panel flanges and each device comprising a flat of spring material having a base portion with a screw opening and from which the strip material extends outwardly and is then folded inwardly upon itself and is bent again outwardly to form a ange receiving loop, a latching projection formed upon the latter outward extension, and elongated shoulders formed on the flanges and adapted to engage beneath said projection.

JOHN H. VAN UUM. BERNARD EMMING., CLARENCE LOHR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

